Luang Prabang

Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Morning Market Tour

Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Morning Market Tour

Rise early to the sound of the temple gong, then join your guide for a walk through the quiet streets. Watch the daily procession of three hundred young monks walk silently by, collecting sticky rice and other foods in their bronze bowls.

The ritual is linked to a Buddhist tradition in which monks beg for their daily food as a way to demonstrate humility. Almsgiving is an important religious act in Buddhism and it must be carried out respectfully by locals and tourists alike. If you would like to be involved in the offering of food, your guide will be more than happy to show you the best way to interact with monks.

Watch as the monks disappear down the road in a long, saffron-colored ribbon. Feel free to take photos, but please use discretion and refrain from using your flash. Following the alms ceremony, you'll have time to visit Luang Prabang’s morning market, where you will see the locals haggling for fresh meat, fruit, and vegetables.